A native bamboo of southeastern US bottomland forests. Once dominant in vast canebrakes; reduced 98%+.

Also called: River Cane, Switchcane (subspecies)

Native status: Native to southeastern US; declining

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 2–10 m
LifespanPerennial; clonal
OrderPoales
FamilyPoaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Arundinaria gigantea is a species of bamboo known as giant cane, river cane, and giant river cane. It is endemic to the south-central and southeastern United States as far west as Oklahoma and Texas and as far north as New York. Giant river cane was economically and culturally important to indigenous people, with uses including as a vegetable and materials for construction and craft production. Arundinaria gigantea and other species of Arundinaria once grew in large colonies called canebrakes covering thousands of acres in the southeastern United States, but today these canebrakes are considered endangered ecosystems.

Source: Wikipedia — Arundinaria gigantea Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Tall woody perennial grass; jointed stems; long lance-shaped leaves.

Similar species. Switchcane (related; smaller). Other bamboos (introduced).

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Only native bamboo in temperate North America. Pre-European cane brakes covered vast areas of southeastern bottomlands; 98%+ has been lost.

§ Range

Southeastern US

§ Habitat

Bottomland forests, riparian zones

§ Threats

Habitat loss, fire suppression.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the river cane is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support canebrake restoration. Use prescribed fire.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Plants Database
  • The Nature Conservancy